The birth of a child is a joyous occasion, but when complications arise during delivery, medical interventions like forceps-assisted birth may be necessary. While forceps can be lifesaving in certain situations, improper use or excessive force can result in serious birth injuries.
If your child has suffered a birth injury due to forceps delivery complications, you may have legal options to pursue compensation. Contact Julie A. Rice, Attorney At Law, & Affiliates today for a free consultation to discuss your case.
Understanding Forceps-Assisted Delivery
Forceps delivery is a medical procedure used when a baby needs assistance passing through the birth canal. This method involves the use of a tong-like instrument that is carefully placed around the baby’s head to guide them out during contractions. Doctors typically resort to this technique when labor is prolonged, the baby shows signs of distress, or the mother is unable to push effectively due to exhaustion or medical conditions.
Although forceps can be a valuable tool in difficult deliveries, they require precise handling. When used incorrectly or with excessive force, they can cause significant harm to both the baby and the mother.
Common Birth Injuries Caused by Forceps
Birth injuries from forceps delivery can vary in severity, from minor bruising to long-term disabilities. Some of the most common injuries include:
1. Facial Nerve Damage (Bell’s Palsy)
Excessive pressure from forceps can damage the facial nerves, leading to temporary or permanent facial paralysis. Affected babies may struggle with facial movements, such as closing their eyes or smiling.
2. Skull Fractures
Improper placement or excessive force can cause fractures in the baby’s skull, which may lead to bleeding, brain injuries, or developmental complications.
3. Brain Injuries (Cerebral Palsy & Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy)
A traumatic forceps delivery can result in oxygen deprivation, increasing the risk of conditions like cerebral palsy or hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). These conditions can lead to lifelong disabilities affecting mobility, cognition, and overall development.
4. Bleeding in the Brain (Intracranial Hemorrhage)
Excessive pressure can cause bleeding in the brain, potentially leading to severe complications such as seizures, developmental delays, or even fatal outcomes.
5. Eye and Vision Damage
Forceps can cause injuries to the eyes, leading to vision impairment or retinal damage, which may affect a child’s ability to see properly as they grow.
6. Scalp and Soft Tissue Injuries
Babies delivered using forceps may experience bruising, cuts, or swelling on their heads. While some injuries heal quickly, deeper trauma may lead to scarring or long-term issues.
When Does Forceps Delivery Become Medical Malpractice?
While forceps deliveries are sometimes necessary, they should always be performed with care. A medical professional may be liable for malpractice if:
- Forceps were used when a safer alternative, like a C-section, was available.
- Excessive force or improper technique was applied, causing injury.
- The doctor failed to obtain informed consent before performing the procedure.
- Warning signs of distress in the baby were ignored or mismanaged.
- The physician lacked the necessary skill or experience to safely use forceps.
If any of these factors played a role in your child’s birth injury, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, future care costs, pain and suffering, and more.
Seeking Legal Help for Birth Injuries
Birth injuries can have lifelong consequences, both emotionally and financially. If you believe your child suffered due to a forceps delivery complication, it’s crucial to seek legal guidance. An experienced birth injury attorney can help you determine if medical negligence was a factor and fight for the justice your family deserves.
At Julie A. Rice, Attorney At Law, & Affiliates, we are dedicated to helping families navigate complex birth injury cases. Call us now at (770) 865-8654 or complete our online form to schedule your free consultation today.